The Northumberland Pub Company has some of the top venues in the North East - and you don't have to just take the company's own word for it.
After the ever-popular The Blackbird at Ponteland was named the Pub of the Year at the North East Tourism Awards, it’s sister venue was arguably in its shadow – but not for long.
Because hot on its heels came the news that The Northumberland Arms at Felton near Alnwick – a stylish pub/restaurant with rooms (and what rooms they are but more of that later) had received an accolade of its own.
The Northumberland Arms was named a winner in the 2002 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards for the second year in a row, putting the pub in the top ten per cent of hotels worldwide. These awards are given out on the recommendation of the most important people of all – guests.
They are based on consistently high reviews and as The Northumberland Arms was praised for its food, its service and the general standard across the board, it was an easy choice. Anyone who has experienced The Blackbird and/or The Northumberland Arms may also now like to try a new venue which Stuart Young, owner of the Northumberland Pub Company, also has a stake in. The former San Lorenzo restaurant at Washington and has been taken over by Stuart and his two partners in this venture and has now reopened as Novellos. It may be early days but Novellos has also fast gained a great reputation and its authentic style of Italian cuisine has led to a packed restaurant – perhaps a future award winner?
It’s attention to detail at every level that has seen the Northumberland Arms and The Blackbird gain so much success, which has also been replicated at the company’s artisan bakery and café, Kennedy and Rhind, in Jesmond. The Northumberland Arms has the added bonus of six stylish rooms so that visitors can really make an occasion of it, each individually designed but all with the same high level of detail and attention. Stuart Young, owner of the Northumberland Pub Company, is – not surprisingly – delighted that his venues have been recognised.
”After the tough few years that hospitality has had, it’s great to be able to now do what we do best – showcase great venues with amazing food and accommodation,” he said.
”To have received these two brilliant awards in quick succession is fantastic not just for me but for all of our hardworking team.